College Information Roadshow set for Tuesday

Soon-to-graduate high school students and their parents have an opportunity to get a leg up on the college process.

The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority is presenting a college information road show that will be displayed at Henderson County High School from 9 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Tuesday.

"We want to create a college-going culture, said Rachel Heath, the high school's college coach/AmeriCorps.

The mobile classroom brings a host of critical services right to the students and their families, according to the KHEAA website.

It's equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as satellite Internet access, laptop computers, an instructor's podium and screen, and an outdoor projection unit to connect students with the information they need to research, pursue and succeed in their educational endeavors beyond high school.

Students will be able to work on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid, apply to colleges and search for scholarship information at the roadshow.

Casi Clark, the KHEAA Outreach Counselor, will be available from 1-7 p.m. at the high school to meet with parents who need assistance with applying for FAFSA. Andrew Zeller, Henderson Community College's director of financial aid, will also conduct a parent night regarding the FAFSA.

Parents should have the following information on hand to fill out the FAFSA forms: Social Security number, driver's license, W2 or other records of money earned, tax returns of their spouse if married, untaxed income records, current business records and, if they are not a U.S. citizen, their alien registration or permanent residency card. Students should know their Social Security number.

Heath encourages students to complete the FAFSA forms and submit them to get as much money as possible.

"Nowadays so many high school graduates need to have this next step of education," Heath said. "We want to make sure they can afford that. That's why it's so vital to get the FAFSA information filled out, so they can go onto that next step and accomplish their goals after high school."

Last year, the state ran out of FAFSA funding during the first week of February in 2012. The state projects the money will run out by the last week of January this year, she said.

Even students who don't think they meet eligibility requirement should fill out the forms because they may still qualify, Heath said.